On Thursday 30th September 2021, artists and husband and wife duo Carol and Bob Banks launched their new exhibition, ‘Fenscapes’ at Babylon Gallery on Ely’s riverside.
Carol, a jewellery maker and Bob a painter, are both heavily influenced by the unique Fenland landscape and the theme runs throughout the exhibition.
On the gallery walls is a series of 34 retrospective works by Bob, including oil paintings and chalk pastel pieces of Wicken Fen, Anglesey Abbey and interiors from Ely Cathedral. On the plinths, Carol exhibits her handmade silver and gold plated jewellery inspired by nature. All jewellery and framed paintings are for sale, as well as a collection of 18 unframed prints and cards.
Since moving from London in 2008, Carol and Bob have used the Fens as inspiration for their artwork. Carol was born in Soham and having always loved nature, uses the natural beauty of the area for inspiration for most of her jewellery. Her pieces are dictated by the shapes and textures of natural materials such as bark, leaves and seed heads. Carol now supplies for the National Trust, Anglesey Abbey and Sutton Hoo.
Bob originally worked exclusively in pastels, but has recently switched to oil paints. Using the local landscape as a stimulus, he focuses on small details such as textures, colour and reflections in water.
Bob said “We both have our own studios and keep our practices separate, but we often bounce ideas off of one another over the dinner table, which is very helpful. I use painting as a way to decompress from my busy job in Animation and Carol now makes her jewellery full time. We moved to the Fens from London thinking we’d have a quieter way of life – we’re now busier than ever!”
During lockdown, Bob also illustrated a book for the first time, ‘What’s The Matter Mad Hatter’ by local author Rachel O’Leary is on view and available to purchase as part of the exhibition at the Babylon Gallery.
Bob and Carol will be situated at the Gallery most days throughout the exhibition speaking to visitors as they work, to give an understanding of the process behind each piece.
Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “It’s wonderful to have Bob and Carol back at the Babylon Gallery, and even better to have artists working in the space during an exhibition, so visitors can have a ‘behind the scenes’ view of work in progress.”
‘Fenscapes’ is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th October and the gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-4pm with free entry.
Press release from Babylon ARTS
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